Jalen Keeney-James (officially Jakobie Keeney-James) has quickly garnered attention as a talented wide receiver transitioning from UMass to the NFL.
While fans often search for him as “Jalen,” his impact on the field is defined by his explosive speed and playmaking ability.
His financial profile reflects the grind of a young pro building his legacy, with earnings coming from his rookie contract and practice squad contributions.
In this article, you will know Jakobie Keeney-James’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship status, and more.
Jakobie Keeney-James Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jakobie Keeney-James |
| Date of Birth | September 26, 2000 |
| Age | 25 |
| Education | University of Massachusetts (UMass), Eastern Washington University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 195 lbs (88 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2025 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $350,000 – $450,000 (Estimated 2026) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | Approx. $480,000 (2025-2026 Estimate) |
| Children | 2 Children |
| Twitter/X Profile | @JakobieKJames |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
Early Career
Jakobie Keeney-James began his collegiate journey at Eastern Washington University (EWU), where he spent five seasons developing his skills in the Big Sky Conference.
During his time at EWU (2019-2023), he was a reliable target, accumulating 825 receiving yards on 61 catches and scoring four touchdowns.
His perseverance was evident as he battled through injuries and inconsistent playing time, yet he managed to showcase flashes of his potential with a career-high 246 yards in the 2021 season.
Seeking a bigger stage to prove his NFL readiness, Keeney-James transferred to the University of Massachusetts (UMass) for his final season in 2024. This decision proved pivotal.
He became the focal point of the Minutemen offense, leading the team with 50 receptions for 839 yards and six touchdowns. His breakout performance included a stunning game against the Georgia Bulldogs, where he caught a 75-yard touchdown, proving he could compete against elite SEC competition.
His 4.37-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day further solidified his status as a legitimate NFL prospect.
Professional Career
Keeney-James entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent (UDFA), signing a three-year contract with the Detroit Lions in May 2025 immediately following the NFL Draft.
The Lions were impressed by his elite speed and gave him a deal that included $245,000 in guaranteed money, one of the highest amounts for their UDFA class.
He competed hard during training camp but was released during final roster cuts in late August 2025.
His NFL journey didn’t end there. Recognizing his talent, the Green Bay Packers signed him to their practice squad on September 23, 2025. Throughout the 2025-2026 season, Keeney-James served as a crucial developmental player for the Packers, contributing to the scout team and staying ready for a call-up.
His resilience and adaptability have kept him in the league, allowing him to continue honing his craft with one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.
Jakobie Keeney-James’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Jakobie Keeney-James’s estimated net worth is between $350,000 and $450,000. This figure is derived from his guaranteed rookie contract money and his weekly practice squad earnings during his first NFL season.
Contract
Keeney-James originally signed a three-year, $2.985 million contract with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2025. This deal included a $20,000 signing bonus and $225,000 in base salary guarantees.
After joining the Green Bay Packers, he transitioned to a standard practice squad contract, which typically pays around $12,500 per week for the 18-week season.
Salary
For the 2025-2026 season, his income came from two primary sources: the guaranteed portion of his Lions contract and his weekly salary from the Packers. The Lions’ guarantee ensured he pocketed approximately $245,000 regardless of his roster status.
Additionally, his time on the Packers’ practice squad likely earned him another $225,000 (18 weeks x ~$12,500), bringing his gross income for the year closer to $470,000 before taxes and fees.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings (Estimated) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Detroit Lions | $245,000 | Signing Bonus + Guarantees |
| 2025 | Green Bay Packers | $234,000 | Practice Squad Salary (Approx.) |
| Total | $479,000 | Career Total |
Career Stats
| Year | Team/School | Games | Receptions | Yards | Avg | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-23 | Eastern Washington | 37 | 61 | 825 | 13.5 | 4 |
| 2024 | UMass Minutemen | 12 | 50 | 839 | 16.8 | 6 |
| 2025 | Detroit/Green Bay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| Total | NCAA Career | 49 | 111 | 1,664 | 15.0 | 10 |
FAQs
1. Who is the NFL player commonly searched as Jalen Keeney-James?
The player is actually named Jakobie Keeney-James. He is a wide receiver who played college football at UMass and Eastern Washington before signing with the Detroit Lions and later joining the Green Bay Packers practice squad.
2. What college did Jakobie Keeney-James attend before the NFL?
He finished his collegiate career at the University of Massachusetts (UMass). Prior to that, he spent five seasons playing for Eastern Washington University, where he developed his skills as a wide receiver.
3. Which NFL team signed Jakobie Keeney-James as a rookie?
The Detroit Lions signed him as an undrafted free agent (UDFA). He received a significant guaranteed contract but was released in August, after which he signed with the Green Bay Packers.
4. How fast is Jakobie Keeney-James?
He is known for elite speed, clocking an impressive 4.37-second 40-yard dash at his UMass Pro Day. This speed was a key factor in drawing attention from NFL scouts and securing his professional contract.
5. Does Jakobie Keeney-James have any children?
Yes, he is the proud father of two children. He frequently mentions his kids as his primary motivation for succeeding in professional football, describing himself as a dedicated “family man” off the field.
